IMPROVING THE EASE AND SAFETY OF LAPAROSCOPY - A TECHNIQUE FOR OPEN INSERTION OF THE UMBILICAL TROCAR

Background: Sharp cannulation of the abdominal cavity for laparoscopy occasionally causes life-threating injury to major vessels. Methods: A technique of open cannulation is described to minimize this risk. Res ults: In over 2000 general surgical laparoscopies performed the Flinde rs Medical Centre, there were no major vessel injuries and only one bo wel injury (prior to laparotomy). Conclusions: We advocate the use of open technique to minimize injuries caused by abdominal cannulation fo r laparoscopy.